Iopar-SR Capsule (Acetazolamide 250mg)

Description

Iopar-SR Capsule is a medicine used to treat glaucoma (an eye condition where the pressure inside the eyeballs is abnormally high, that may eventually lead to blindness), oedema (abnormal retention of fluids), and epilepsy (fits or convulsions). Iopar-SR Capsule is also used to prevent or reduce the symptoms of mountain sickness. This medicine works by blocking the action of an enzyme in your body. It decreases the production of fluid within your eyes.

Iopar-SR Capsule can cause side effects including nausea, diarrhoea, increased urge to urinate, decreased appetite, change of taste, numbness of fingers and toes, drowsiness, and flushing (redness of the skin, usually of the face). If you have blood in the urine or experience painful urination, seek medical help immediately. This medicine might cause drowsiness so avoid any activity which requires concentration like driving.

Iopar-SR Capsule can be taken with or without food. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor. For the ease of remembering, take the medicine at around the same time every day.

Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you are taking this medicine before undergoing surgery. Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Iopar-SR Capsule
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Numbness, tingling in arms or legs
Increased thirst
Increased urination frequency
Drowsiness
Headache
Confusion
Fever and cough
Blood in urine
Yellowing of skin and eyes
Sore throat
Unusual bleeding or bruising
Ringing or buzzing in the ears
Change in taste
Decrease in sexual drive
Flushing

Uses of Iopar-SR Capsule

What is it prescribed for?
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an eye condition that damages the optic nerve in your eyes due to an increase in eye pressure. Iopar-SR Capsule is used in the treatment of glaucoma.
Acute mountain sickness
Altitude sickness is a distressing experience when you try adjusting to lower oxygen levels generally seen at higher altitudes. Its symptoms may include an upset stomach, headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, etc. Iopar-SR Capsule is used to relieve the symptoms of altitude or mountain sickness.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a condition in which there is uncontrolled and abnormal nerve activity in your brain. This may cause fits or seizures, unusual behaviour for a certain time, and loss of awareness. Iopar-SR Capsule is used along with other medicines in the treatment of epilepsy.
Oedema
Oedema refers to an abnormal accumulation of fluid associated with congestive heart failure (a condition in which the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently) or the use of specific medicines. Iopar-SR Capsule is used along with other medicines in such conditions.
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When not to use?

Allergy
Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended if you have a known allergy to this medicine. If you notice any symptoms such as a skin rash, itching/swelling (especially in the face/throat/lips/tongue), breathing difficulty, etc., inform your doctor and seek immediate medical attention.
Severe liver impairment
Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended if you have severe liver problems as it increases the risk of hepatic encephalopathy (condition when the liver fails to work properly thus, toxins start to build up in the blood that travel to the brain and affect brain function). This medicine should be used with extreme caution in case of mild to moderate liver problems.
Severe kidney impairment
Acetazolamide is removed from the body through the kidneys. Hence, Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended if you have severe impairment of kidney function as it increases the risk of serious side effects and other complications.
Chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a condition that occurs when the iris (coloured tissue at the front of your eye with pupil in the centre) narrows or blocks the drainage angle (area of the eye which allows the fluid to drain from the eye). Hence, fluid cannot circulate through the eyes and lead to an increase in pressure. Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended for use if you have chronic non-congestive angle-closure glaucoma as it may worsen your condition.
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is a disorder that occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce a sufficient amount of certain hormones. Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended in such conditions as it increases the risk of severe side effects.
Altered levels of sodium/potassium
Iopar-SR Capsule may increase the excretion of potassium and sodium from your body. Therefore, this medicine is not recommended if you have low blood levels of sodium and/or potassium as it may worsen your condition.

Warnings

Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended for use in pregnancy, unless absolutely necessary. All the benefits and risks should be discussed with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
Iopar-SR Capsule may be taken with caution if you are breastfeeding. Consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks before taking this medicine.
General warnings

Other medicines
Iopar-SR Capsule may interact with many other medicines and this may cause serious side effects. Hence, you should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines, herbs, and/or supplements.
Use in children
Iopar-SR Capsule is not recommended for use in children less than 12 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.
Use in elderly
Iopar-SR Capsule should be used with extreme caution in elderly people since the risk of side effects is significantly high. Close monitoring, appropriate dose adjustments or replacement may be necessary based on the condition.
Liver diseases
Iopar-SR Capsule should be used with caution if you have mild to moderate liver problems due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Close monitoring of liver function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary.
Kidney diseases
Iopar-SR Capsule should be used with caution in patients with mild to moderate kidney problems due to the increased risk of side effects. Close monitoring of kidney function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary.
Respiratory diseases
Iopar-SR Capsule should be used with caution if you have a history of respiratory (lungs and airways) diseases as it may worsen your condition. Close monitoring of lung function, appropriate dose adjustments, or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on your condition.
Driving or operating machines
Iopar-SR Capsule may cause side effects such as muscle weakness, drowsiness, dizziness, and visual disturbances. If you experience any of these symptoms, avoid activities such as driving or operating machines.

Dosage

Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of Iopar-SR Capsule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not use take an extra dose of Iopar-SR Capsule to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek emergency medical intervention if you suspect an overdose of Iopar-SR Capsule.